Cheney drums up local support

EVANSVILLE -- Secret Servicemen clung to the walls inside The Centre in Evansville yesterday evening, discreetly playing with their ears and talking into their shoulders. \n"Tell that woman if she needs to run outside to her car to do so immediately; we are going to seal the building soon," one said into mid-air.\nTheir presence in the Hoosier state was prompted by the arrival of Vice President Richard Cheney, who spoke at a fund raiser Wednesday night in support of Rep. John Hostettler, (R-Ind.). \n"This is a great opportunity for people in Indiana," said sophomore Casey Cox, president of College Republicans. "It's something that doesn't happen very often."\nWalking up to the podium at roughly 6 p.m., 30 minutes late, Evansville Mayor Russ Lloyd Jr. introduced two men he said "exemplify the meaning of public service." \nHostettler was introduced first. After thanking the audience for their gracious welcome, he spoke for about five minutes about the "quality people" living in the "great state of Indiana." \n"In Indiana, we understand the need for honesty and integrity in the government," he said. \nHe went on to add that the Bush administration, with the help of Vice President Cheney, would, "continue to keep those liberals' hands off of our hard earned money."\nConceding the stage to Cheney, Hostettler welcomed a "true patriot" as the Vice President was greeted with a standing ovation from the audience.\n"I am delighted to be back in Indiana," Cheney said.\nReferencing the results of the 2001 election, in which Indiana was one of the first states to report a majority for the Bush-Cheney team, Cheney thanked the audience for its votes and admitted he and the president rode on the coattails of John Hostettler -- who he deemed "at the top of my list."\nHis reason for attending the fundraiser, intended to help support Hostettler in his campaign to win a fifth two-year term in the House, was to help in the re-election effort and secure another Republican seat. \n"We rely on people like John to raise the numbers in the House and Senate," Cheney said. "We need more like him, and we thank you for sending him to us." \nCheney also reminded the audience of the $48 million budget increase the Bush administration is seeking for defense. It's the biggest raise since 1981, when former President Ronald Reagan was in office. \n"Defense is no place to cut corners, especially if one can understand the nature of the enemy we're up against," Cheney said.\nAfter wishing Reagan a happy 91st birthday, the vice president continued to discuss the war on terrorism. He maintained that evidence has been found in caves and tunnels in the Middle East that indicate weapons of mass destruction are being primed.\n"The only sure weapon is to go destroy the terrorists before they destroy us," Cheney said.\nThe remainder of his words were dedicated to recapping President George W. Bush's State of the Union address, pointing out specific areas where the administration is concentrating on improvement. such as airport security, public health and economic security.\nOther concerns include making sure "every man and woman in uniform receive the higher pay they deserve," Cheney said.\nHe stressed the importance of an environment where employers are able to hire more people and a nation where taxpayers keep more of their own money.\n"It was a positive message and what we've been hearing since Sept. 11, but it's good to see the leaders in person," Cox said.\nCheney will visit the Middle East in mid-March. The trip will include Israel, Egypt, Saudi Arabia, Jordan, Kuwait, Oman, Qatar, Bahrain and the United Arab Emirates, according to Associated Press reports.\nBush administration officials told the AP the trip is not intended to begin negotiations or agreements. Cheney will not meet with Palestinian leader Yasser Arafat. Anonymous administration officials said the trip could possibly be tailored to garner support for the U.S. campaign against terrorism.